In a landmark agreement, a Colorado rancher has agreed to voluntarily relinquish grazing permits on 101,676 acres of high-country alpine meadows in the San Juan Mountains, effectively safeguarding critical habitat for a native herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The agreement, brokered by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), represents the largest single conservation transaction ever undertaken to benefit bighorn sheep in Colorado.

The Etchart Sheep Ranch, a multi-generational family operation, has held grazing permits for the affected allotments for over a century. However, recognizing the potential for disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep, the Etchart family has opted to prioritize the long-term health of the bighorn herd over continued grazing in these high-elevation areas.

“We’ve been ranching in this area for generations, and we understand the importance of protecting our natural resources,” said Ernie Etchart, owner of the Etchart Sheep Ranch. “We’re pleased to reach this agreement with the NWF and do our part to ensure the survival of this important bighorn sheep herd.”

The decision to relinquish grazing permits was not easy for the Etchart family. However, the family recognized that the potential benefits to the bighorn herd outweighed the economic losses associated with surrendering grazing rights.

“This is a significant moment for bighorn sheep conservation in Colorado,” said Cait Fallon, a spokesperson for the NWF. “This agreement sets a precedent for collaboration between ranchers, conservationists, and public land management agencies to protect our state’s wildlife heritage.”

The agreement is particularly significant for the San Juans West bighorn sheep herd, which is considered one of the most genetically pure and valuable bighorn sheep populations in the state. The herd has been struggling with disease outbreaks in recent years, and the loss of domestic sheep grazing in its critical habitat is expected to significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission.

“This is a major victory for bighorn sheep conservation in Colorado,” said Terry Meyers, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society. “This agreement will help ensure the long-term survival of this important herd and protect some of the most spectacular bighorn sheep habitat in the state.”

The NWF worked closely with the Etchart family to negotiate the agreement and secure funding to compensate the family for the loss of grazing permits. The NWF also worked with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service to ensure a smooth transition away from domestic sheep grazing in the affected allotments.

“This agreement is a testament to the power of collaboration and compromise,” said Fallon. “By working together, we can achieve meaningful conservation outcomes that benefit both wildlife and people.”

The NWF is committed to continuing its work to protect bighorn sheep and other wildlife in Colorado. The organization is currently working with ranchers, hunters, conservationists, and public land management agencies to develop a comprehensive bighorn sheep conservation plan for the state.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this agreement is a promising step forward,” said Meyers. “We are confident that, by working together, we can ensure the long-term health of Colorado’s bighorn sheep populations.”

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023